TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT     TRAINER TEST DRIVE

Singapore - Freelance or independent trainers who can pool their experiences and challenges together in a group would only improve their individual coaching skills and the overall training standards in Singapore.

It's a common sight for many individuals to function as either freelance or independent trainers in Singapore's training sector, says Norris Wong, director of professional development services for Institute for Adult Learning (IAL). Mainly because these trainers are usually unattached to any training organisation and they tend to work individually on a project basis. Hence, he believes newly launched professional body Adult Educators' Network (AEN) will provide a platform for these trainers to learn from each other. "When trainers come together, the dialogue and networking is the most valuable thing they are looking for. By doing that, they can share their experiences, their aspirations, their problems they are facing in Singapore."

Similarly, there are too many cases of professionals becoming trainers after acquiring a certain amount of experience in a particular industry. "They claim they are trainers," says Wong. "But to be a good trainer, there are a lot of theories they need to pick up to know how to be a good facilitator in a training session, how to engage the trainees, how to conduct after-training assessments."

That's why even though there are other professional training associations even before AEN's launch two and half months ago, Wong says the support from Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) would give them the momentum to push the trainers' standards up. Especially since there isn't a lead organisation that is looking specifically into the future needs of trainers in Singapore.

For example, Wong says one recent hot topic in the training sector is the use of new technology such as the gaming concept in training sessions and the possible benefits. However, some trainers might not be aware of it so participating in such interest discussion groups would give them the necessary knowledge to improve their training methods.

While AEN's primary objective is currently training the trainers who are delivering WDA's Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) programmes, Wong hopes to reach out to non-WSQ trainers as well. Besides providing the SPUR-subsidised Advanced Certificate for Training and Assessment for trainers, the network will soon launch e-newsletters that will update members on the latest training trends both in Singapore and overseas. 

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